Farewell, Mama Yono

GEORGE NEWS - She was a legend in George law circles and ruled her courtroom with an iron fist. Magistrate Phumela Yono (57) passed away early on Monday morning, 30 November.

Yono was born in the Eastern Cape in 1963 and was raised by her aunts from the age of two.

"Mom was a true example of a super woman and would constantly remind us of her struggles growing up to inspire us," her daughter, Gugu Yono, fondly remembers.

After completing her studies in Kwa-Zulu Natal, Yono worked in the Eastern Cape for many years before moving to George in 2005.

"There was nothing she couldn't do if she put her mind to it," said Gugu. "She was fun and had a young spirit. She was our best friend and the Mama Yono we all knew in court was the same Mama Yono that she was at home. We didn't have it easy when we did something wrong. Many times we joked, reminding her that we weren't in court. Mom was loving and we shared a lot of memories.

"We were always together wherever we went. We lost a big piece of our lives. She raised us to be strong and we appreciate the life shared with her. Mama, we miss you already and will always love you."

To her colleagues she was also more of a mother figure than anything else.

"We called her Mama Yono because she was like a mother," said former colleague and Advocate of the High Court, Reinet de Waal.

"She was strict, fair and did not waver for a second to reprimand when called for. Yet at the same time she had compassion and wisdom and a genuine concern for the people around her. She was known for her quick wit and intellect, sound knowledge of the law and work ethic.

"Her knowledge never superseded the common sense approach and that is what made her truly unique - she could unite legal principles and society's sense of justice in matters where they seemed at odds. She was very proud of her humble beginnings and often referred to the village in the Eastern Cape where she had her upbringing.

"Her absence will be felt and her laughter missed, but her legacy will live on in the many lives she touched," De Waal told George Herald.

Magistrate Phumela Yono with her children Chumani Yono, Guguletu Yono, Akhona Yono and Mzekelo Matole in the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town in 2009.

State prosecutor in Yono's court in Thembalethu, Advocate Karin Barnard, said her story with Yono began when they started working together in 2016. "She was an incredible woman. A resolute champion for justice. She treated all equally and with the utmost respect. Her presence demanded respect, yet she was a very humble person. Mrs Yono was a mother to all and she made it her business to fight any injustice.

"She used to say 'With me, what you see is what you get'. She was fair in her findings and appreciated feedback. She truly had the most loving and kind heart. I will definitely miss her and our intimate chats. May her soul rest in peace."

Yono's fellow magistrate and close friend, Frances Makamandela, said not a day went by without them talking to each other. "I have lost a friend, a mentor and a sister. Our colleagues knew that if they see one of us, the other one was around. Our friendship was one of a kind. It was something that no one could easily understand. Carrying on without her is going to take time, but I know God was there and fought with her. Her space in my heart will forever remain untainted," she said.

Another colleague from the Thembalethu court, Regional Magistrate Eugenia Jacobs, described Yono as humble and kind-hearted.

"I have known Ms Yono for the past 10 years as a dear friend and colleague. Her warm personality attracted me from the start. She was humble and kind-hearted. I respected her for being straightforward and direct. She stood her ground for what she believed was right and just. I shall miss her dearly, especially our monthly meetings at Panarottis and other social outings. Her passing has left a void and will not be easily overcome. May her beautiful soul rest in peace."

Yono will be buried this weekend in the Eastern Cape village where she grew up.

Magistrate Phumela Yono was not only a mother at home, but to her colleagues in court as well.